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Marking its 35th Foundation Day, logistics major DTDC Express announced the launch of its rapid commerce vertical, Raftaar, aimed at enabling superfast deliveries within 4 to 6 hours through a network of hyperlocal dark stores. The move signals DTDC’s strategic shift towards faster, more tech-enabled logistics tailored for the evolving needs of Indian consumers.
The company also unveiled a comprehensive whitepaper on Rapid Commerce, developed in collaboration with Boston Consulting Group (BCG). The report highlights how delivery speed is becoming a critical factor in consumer decision-making, alongside product and price.
“For 35 years, DTDC has built trust and reach across India. Today, that foundation positions us to lead the next big leap in logistics — speed at scale,” said Subhasish Chakraborty, Founder, Chairman & Managing Director of DTDC. “With Raftaar and our collaboration with BCG, we are setting the benchmark for how India will shop, sell, and deliver in the years ahead.”
$20+ Billion Opportunity by 2030: Rapid commerce, defined as deliveries within 4–6 hours, is projected to generate over $20 billion in gross merchandise value (GMV) by the end of the decade, creating a parallel $2+ billion opportunity in logistics infrastructure.
Speed Equals Loyalty: Over 60% of online shoppers are willing to pay extra for same-day delivery, positioning delivery speed as a key factor in conversion and customer retention.
Tier 2 & 3 Cities Driving Growth: Non-metro cities now contribute over 40% of online retail spending and are adopting rapid delivery models faster than urban centers.
Quick Commerce Goes Beyond Groceries: Non-grocery categories now account for 30% of quick commerce orders, with growing demand in beauty, electronics, fashion, gifting, and auto parts.
Smarter Fulfilment Models: Shared dark stores and batched deliveries are helping reduce last-mile logistics costs by up to 30%, making rapid commerce viable for a broader range of brands.
Alpesh Shah, MD and Senior Partner at BCG, said, “Rapid commerce fills a critical whitespace in today’s delivery ecosystem. The opportunity is ripe to create a model unique to India’s market needs — one that can contribute meaningfully to a Viksit Bharat.”
Abhishek Chakraborty, CEO of DTDC Express, emphasized that Raftaar reflects more than just a business pivot. “Rapid commerce isn’t just about speed. It’s a strategic shift in consumer engagement,” he said. “The 4–6 hour window hits the ‘Goldilocks zone’ — fast enough to influence buying decisions, yet scalable and sustainable for nationwide deployment.”
With Raftaar, DTDC is banking on its extensive network and three decades of delivery expertise to offer rapid delivery as a mainstream service — particularly targeting high-growth, underpenetrated Tier 2 and 3 markets.
